Wars and revolts in the Middle East, earthquakes, tsunamis, financial crises, job losses, political battles - these are strange, hard times, and while doing what we can to ease the troubles of those most hurt, we must also continue to focus on our birth work with mothers, babies, and families. In fact, in this country, it seems that in these hard times, we mustn't give up on birth. We might argue that as birth goes, so goes society. We have an opportunity to make birth better and less costly.

Cost-effectiveness and avoidance of unnecessary risk are higher priorities than ever, which may bode well for midwifery care, accessibility to acceptability of doulas, and close examination and rejection of many of the "sacred cows" in maternity care, which I don't need to list for you here. Our society can only benefit as birth becomes safer and more humane.

I've been a part of the birth reform scene for 43 years (!) now, and am shocked and dismayed to see what's happened to the objects of my life's work -- safe and satisfying births and bonding among new families. Here's a little news that I hope will enlighten you and give you hope, direction and renewed energy!